Longford District Court: Poor orders from Commanding Officer Captain Morgan

A defendant who “paraded” through the streets of Granard with an imitation firearm was fined €400 at Longford District Court.

Octavian Cebanu (37) of 7 Granada Retail Park, Granard faced a charge that at Main Street, Granard and also at 7 Granada Apartments, Ballyjamesduff Road, Granard he had without lawful excuse possession of a realistic imitation firearm contrary to section 9A of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act.

Sergeant Conor McShane said on Friday, January 6 a male dressed in army khaki clothing was observed in the town of Granard brandishing what was believed to be a handgun. CCTV recordings showed Mr Cebanu cocking the weapon in front of the library, filling station and a local pub.

Sgt McShane said the male was identified and the Armed Response Unit called to his address and arrested Mr Cebanu.
The gun and holster were found in the raid. The sergeant said the defendant was prosecuted for the possession of the realistic firearm and a photo was handed into the court of the item.

The court heard that the defendant has a number of previous convictions for road traffic offences. Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client admitted his behaviour from the outset.
Ms Mimnagh stressed there was no subterfuge to the purchase of the weapon: “He simply bought it in a shop, there was nothing under the table. He did not understand it was illegal.”

The solicitor said Mr Cebanu had “paraded up and down the street”, adding: “It was a bit like a St Patrick's Day in his own head aided by about five litres of Captain Morgan.”

“Who was that, his commanding officer?” Judge Owens wryly asked.
Ms Mimnagh said there was significant publicity about the incident and that in the wake of it her client had lost his job: “He has had difficulty getting work since,” the solicitor explained.

In noting the facts Judge Owens said it was clear that the public did not see this as an imitation firearm and the fact the Armed Response Unit attended at the scene shows how seriously the threat was taken by Gardaí.
The judge said: “A conviction has to be recorded.”
The judge imposed a fine of €400 giving the defendant five month to pay.